Who is the rapper in the new Walmart commercial?
Unpacking the star rapper helping Walmart deliver holiday vibes
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Introduction: A Familiar Voice in a Big Campaign
In late 2024 and carried into 2025, Walmart began rolling out a high-energy advertising campaign spotlighting Busta Rhymes, the iconic rapper from the 1990s. Sporting his rapid-fire delivery and unmistakable presence, Busta stars in commercials promoting Walmart’s holiday deals and express delivery service. This marks a notable comeback into mainstream retail advertising for the hip-hop legend.
Who’s Busta Rhymes?
Born Trevor Smith Jr. in 1972, Busta Rhymes skyrocketed to fame in the early ’90s with his unique breathless rap style. With hits like “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” he remains one of the genre’s most memorable voices. Featuring in this Walmart ad connects big-box retail with classic hip-hop culture.
The Commercial’s Concept and Execution
The ads underscore Walmart’s “express delivery”—items delivered within an hour. Busta Rhymes appears as the charismatic voice guiding viewers through scenes like family unboxing gifts, joyful holiday shopping, and tech assembling. The ads lean heavily on his energetic delivery to build excitement around last-minute shopping and convenience.
Above is the official 30‑second spot; shorter variants also run in rotation.
Public and Community Reactions
Reddit users have shared mixed feelings. A post on r/Xennials joked about iconic rappers joining retail ads:
“This guy here is doing Wal‑Mart commercials.”
youtube.com
Another thread highlighted:
“When I heard Pantera in a fast‑food commercial… then Busta Rhymes in Walmart.”
Some fans welcome the nostalgia and paycheck, but others see it as a symbol of shifting values—hip‑hop icons migrating towards mainstream corporate gig work.
Busta Rhymes and Corporate Endorsements
This is hardly Busta’s first brand endorsement. While best known for his music collaborations, he’s dipped into commercials and brand partnerships before. However, this is his first major return to national ad campaigns since the peak of his musical career nearly two decades ago.
Why Walmart Tapped Busta
Walmart is targeting a broad demographic—from Gen X nostalgic for ’90s rap to younger shoppers who view Busta as a retro-cool culture icon. His high-energy persona aligns perfectly with themes of quick delivery and last-minute shopping. The campaign has run nationally on TV, YouTube, and TikTok, with clips like “Express Delivery ft. Busta Rhymes” circulating widely.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Direction
While Walmart hasn’t officially released behind-the-scenes footage, ad-tracking platforms like iSpot.tv credit the “Speedtacular” holiday spot to Busta, resulting in solid viewership across digital channels . Fans can watch extended director-cut variants on YouTube.
Impact and Cultural Backlash
Some backlash accompanies the campaign—critics argue Walmart’s history on DEI contrasts with choosing Busta over more edgy or politically active voices. A Facebook commenter noted: “Legendary Black rapper Busta Rhymes in Walmart commercials?! Meanwhile, Walmart just ROLLED BACK their DEI efforts.”
Despite this, the campaign continues to air and resonate—many fans admire Busta for embracing diverse roles and earning his living.
Examples and Variants:
Express Delivery (30″) spot – the high-energy flagship commercial
Last Minute Holiday Deals – a 15‑second cut targeting seasonal shoppers
Behind‑the‑scenes edits – uploaded by fans reviewing Busta’s presence in retail ads
In Conclusion: A Power Move or Sell‑Out?
Whether viewed as a savvy career move or a sign of shifting artistic priorities, Busta Rhymes’ presence in Walmart’s commercials is undeniably impactful:
🎤 For Busta: exposure to a mass retail audience, diversified income, brand synergy.
🛒 For Walmart: cultural authenticity, alignment with nostalgia, and buzzworthy marketing.
📣 For viewers: entertainment with a dash of cultural commentary—pondering if our icons keep evolving or simply adapting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Busta Rhymes still making new music?
A: Yes. While his mainstream peak was in the ’90s and 2000s, he continues releasing music, collaborating, and touring—his appearance in ads is a parallel avenue, not a departure.
Q: Has Walmart worked with other rappers?
A: Not to this scale. Hip-hop collaborations with big-box brands are rare. Pitbull once led a 2012 contest involving Walmart stores—with a prize performance—but nothing of current magnitude.
Q: Is this part of a larger trend of rappers in commercials?
A: Absolutely. From Eminem for Chrysler to Ludacris for State Farm, hip-hop artists increasingly advertise mainstream products. It’s both a cultural shift and a sign that artists monetize beyond albums.
Final Word: The rapper in Walmart’s new commercial is Busta Rhymes—an electrifying voice rooted in hip‑hop royalty, now lending flair to Walmart’s holiday and express‑delivery ads. Whether memed or celebrated, his presence marks another crossover moment where iconic artistry meets everyday retail.
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